Ford Flex Owner's manual

Owner’s Guide.

2012

November 2011

Second Printing

Owner’s Guide

FORD Flex

Litho in USA

fordowner.com

www.ford.ca

2012

Owner’s Guide.

CA8J 19A321 AB

Introduction 5

Instrument Cluster 14

Warning lights and chimes 14

Gauges 18

Message center 20

Entertainment Systems 30

AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 30

Auxiliary input jack (Line in) 39

USB port 41

Satellite radio information 44

Family entertainment system 48

Navigation system 68

SYNC威 68

Climate Controls 69

Manual heating and air conditioning 69

Dual electronic automatic temperature control 72

Navigation system based climate control 75

Rear window defroster 81

Lights 82

Headlamps 82

Turn signal control 86

Interior lamps 86

Bulb replacement 87

Driver Controls 92

Windshield wiper/washer control 92

Steering wheel adjustment 93

Power windows 102

Mirrors 103

Speed control 105

Moonroof 109

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Locks and Security 122

Keys 122

Locks 128

Anti-theft system 139

Seating and Safety Restraints 145

Seating 145

Personal Safety System™ 167

Safety belt system 170

Airbags 181

Child restraints 195

Tires, Wheels and Loading 214

Tire information 216

Tire inflation 218

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 231

Vehicle loading 236

Trailer towing 243

Recreational towing 247

Driving 249

Starting 249

Brakes 254

AdvanceTrac威 257

Transmission operation 265

Reverse sensing system 271

Rear-view camera system 273

All wheel drive 280

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Roadside Emergencies 287

Getting roadside assistance 287

Hazard flasher control 288

Fuel pump shut-off 288

Fuses and relays 289

Changing tires 297

Wheel lug nut torque 303

Jump starting 305

Wrecker towing 308

Customer Assistance 310

Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 316

Reporting safety defects (Canada only) 317

Cleaning 318

Maintenance and Specifications 326

Engine compartment 328

Changing the wiper blades 331

Engine oil 332

Battery 336

Engine coolant 338

Fuel information 345

Air filter(s) 363

Part numbers 366

Maintenance product specifications and capacities 367

Engine data 371

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Accessories 375

Ford Extended Service Plan 378

Scheduled Maintenance 382

Normal scheduled maintenance and log 388

Index 400

The information contained in this publication was correct at the time of going to

print. In the interest of continuous development, we reserve the right to change

specifications, design or equipment at any time without notice or obligation. No

part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a retrieval

system or translated into any language in any form by any means without our

written permission. Errors and omissions excepted.

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CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations on acquiring your new Ford. Please take the time to get

well acquainted with your vehicle by reading this handbook. The more

you know and understand about your vehicle, the greater the safety and

pleasure you will derive from driving it.

For more information on Ford Motor Company and its products visit the

following website:

• In the United States: www.ford.com

• In Canada: www.ford.ca

• In Australia: www.ford.com.au

• In Mexico: www.ford.com.mx

Additional owner information is given in separate publications.

This Owner’s Guide describes every option and model variant available

and therefore some of the items covered may not apply to your

particular vehicle. Furthermore, due to printing cycles it may describe

options before they are generally available.

Remember to pass on this Owner’s Guide when reselling the vehicle. It is

an integral part of the vehicle.

WARNING: Fuel pump shut-off: In the event of an accident

this feature will automatically cut off the fuel supply to the

engine. It can also be activated through sudden vibration (e.g. collision

when parking). To restart your vehicle, refer to Fuel pump shut-off in

the Roadside Emergencies chapter.

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SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION

Warning symbols in this guide

How can you reduce the risk of personal injury to yourself or others? In

this guide, answers to such questions are contained in comments

highlighted by the warning triangle symbol. These comments should be

read and observed.

Warning symbols on your vehicle

When you see this symbol, it is

imperative that you consult the

relevant section of this guide before

touching or attempting adjustment

of any kind.

Protecting the environment

We must all play our part in

protecting the environment. Correct

vehicle usage and the authorized

disposal of waste, cleaning and

lubrication materials are significant

steps toward this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this

guide with the tree symbol.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING

WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and

certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other

reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and

certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known

to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other

reproductive harm.

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PERCHLORATE MATERIAL

Certain components of this vehicle such as airbag modules, safety belt

pretensioners, and button cell batteries may contain Perchlorate Material

– Special handling may apply for service or vehicle end of life disposal.

See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.

BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE

Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive

continuously at the same speed for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of

new vehicle operation. Vary your speed frequently in order to give the

moving parts a chance to break in.

Drive your new vehicle at least 1,000 miles (1,600 km) before towing a

trailer. For more detailed information about towing a trailer, refer to

Trailer towing in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter.

Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils since

these additives may prevent piston ring seating. See Engine oil in the

Maintenance and Specifications chapter for more information on oil

usage.

SPECIAL NOTICES

New Vehicle Limited Warranty

For a detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered by

your vehicle’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty, refer to the Warranty

Guide that is provided to you along with your Owner’s Guide.

Special instructions

For your added safety, your vehicle is fitted with sophisticated electronic

controls.

WARNING: Please read the section Airbag Supplemental

Restraint System (SRS) in the Seating and Safety Restraints

chapter. Failure to follow the specific warnings and instructions could

result in personal injury.

WARNING: Front seat mounted rear-facing child or infant seats

should NEVER be placed in front of an active passenger airbag.

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DATA RECORDING

Service Data Recording

Service data recorders in your vehicle are capable of collecting and

storing diagnostic information about your vehicle. This potentially

includes information about the performance or status of various systems

and modules in the vehicle, such as engine, throttle, steering or brake

systems. In order to properly diagnose and service your vehicle, Ford

Motor Company, Ford of Canada, and service and repair facilities may

access or share among them vehicle diagnostic information received

through a direct connection to your vehicle when diagnosing or servicing

your vehicle. For U.S. only (if equipped), if you choose to use the SYNC威

Vehicle Health Report, you consent that certain diagnostic information

may also be accessed electronically by Ford Motor Company and Ford

authorized service facilities, and that the diagnostic information may be

used for any purpose. See your SYNC威 supplement for more information.

Event Data Recording

This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR). The

main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near

crash-like situations, such as an airbag deployment or hitting a

road obstacle; this data will assist in understanding how a

vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR is designed to record data

related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period

of time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is

designed to record such data as:

• How various systems in your vehicle were operating;

• Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts were

buckled/fastened;

• How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator

and/or the brake pedal; and

• How fast the vehicle was travelling; and

• Where the driver was positioning the steering wheel.

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This data can help provide a better understanding of the

circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur.

Note: EDR data is recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial

crash situation occurs; no data is recorded by the EDR under

normal driving conditions and no personal data or information

(e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location) is recorded (see

limitations regarding 911 Assist and Traffic, directions and

Information privacy below). However, parties, such as law

enforcement, could combine the EDR data with the type of

personally identifying data routinely acquired during a crash

investigation.

To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is required,

and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the

vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such as law enforcement,

that have such special equipment, can read the information if

they have access to the vehicle or the EDR. Ford Motor Company

and Ford of Canada do not access event data recorder

information without obtaining consent, unless pursuant to court

order or where required by law enforcement, other government

authorities or other third parties acting with lawful authority.

Other parties may seek to access the information independently

of Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada.

Note: Including to the extent that any law pertaining to Event

Data Recorders applies to SYNC威 or its features, please note the

following: Once 911 Assist (if equipped) is enabled (set ON), 911

Assist may, through any paired and connected cell phone, disclose

to emergency services that the vehicle has been in a crash

involving the deployment of an airbag or, in certain vehicles, the

activation of the fuel pump shut-off. Certain versions or updates

to 911 Assist may also be capable of being used to electronically

or verbally provide to 911 operators the vehicle location (such as

latitude and longitude), and/or other details about the vehicle or

crash or personal information about the occupants to assist 911

operators to provide the most appropriate emergency services. If

you do not want to disclose this information, do not activate the

911 Assist feature. See your SYNC威 supplement for more

information.

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Additionally, when you connect to Traffic, Directions and

Information (if equipped, U.S. only), the service uses GPS

technology and advanced vehicle sensors to collect the vehicle’s

current location, travel direction, and speed (“vehicle travel

information”), only to help provide you with the directions,

traffic reports, or business searches that you request. If you do

not want Ford or its vendors to receive this information, do not

activate the service. Ford Motor Company and the vendors it uses

to provide you with this information do not store your vehicle

travel information. For more information, see Traffic, Directions

and Information, Terms and Conditions. See your SYNC威

supplement for more information.

CELL PHONE USE

The use of mobile communications equipment has become increasingly

important in the conduct of business and personal affairs. However,

drivers must not compromise their own or others’ safety when using

such equipment. Mobile communications can enhance personal safety

and security when appropriately used, particularly in emergency

situations. Safety must be paramount when using mobile communications

equipment to avoid negating these benefits.

Mobile communication equipment includes, but is not limited to, cellular

phones, pagers, portable email devices, text messaging devices and

portable two-way radios.

WARNING: Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle

control, accident and injury. Ford strongly recommends that you

use extreme caution when using any device or feature that may take

your focus off the road. Your primary responsibility is the safe

operation of your vehicle.

We recommend against the use of any handheld device while driving

and that you comply with all applicable laws.

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EXPORT UNIQUE (NON–UNITED STATES/CANADA) VEHICLE

SPECIFIC INFORMATION

For your particular global region, your vehicle may be equipped with

features and options that are different from the features and options that

are described in this Owner’s Guide. A market unique supplement may

be supplied that complements this book. By referring to the market

unique supplement, if provided, you can properly identify those features,

recommendations and specifications that are unique to your vehicle. This

Owner’s Guide is written primarily for the U.S. and Canadian Markets.

Features or equipment listed as standard may be different on units built

for Export. Refer to this Owner’s Guide for all other required

information and warnings.

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These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.

Vehicle Symbol Glossary

Safety Alert

See Owner’s Guide

Fasten Safety Belt Airbag - Front

Airbag - Side

Child Seat Lower

Anchor

Child Seat Tether

Anchor

Brake System

Anti-Lock Brake System Parking Brake System

Brake Fluid -

Non-Petroleum Based

Parking Aid System

Stability Control System Speed Control

Master Lighting Switch Hazard Warning Flasher

Fog Lamps-Front Fuse Compartment

Fuel Pump Reset Windshield Wash/Wipe

Windshield

Defrost/Demist

Rear Window

Defrost/Demist

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Vehicle Symbol Glossary

Power Windows

Front/Rear

Power Window Lockout

Child Safety Door

Lock/Unlock

Interior Luggage

Compartment Release

Panic Alarm Engine Oil

Engine Coolant

Temperature

Do Not Open When Hot Battery

Avoid Smoking, Flames,

or Sparks

Battery Acid

Explosive Gas Fan Warning

Power Steering Fluid

Maintain Correct Fluid

Level

MAX

MIN

Service Engine Soon Engine Air Filter

Passenger Compartment

Air Filter

Jack

Check Fuel Cap

Low Tire Pressure

Warning

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WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES

Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may

become serious enough to cause extensive repairs. A warning light may

illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.

Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the

bulbs work. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, refer to the

respective system warning light for additional information.

Service engine soon: The service

engine soon indicator light

illuminates when the ignition is first

turned to the on position to check

the bulb and to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for

Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, the service engine soon

light will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no

malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds the service engine

soon light blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not ready for

I/M testing. See the Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M)

testing in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.

Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the on-board

diagnostics system (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to

On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) in the Maintenance and Specifications

chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could

damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid

heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced

immediately by your authorized dealer.

E

F

C

H

RPM x 1000

2

0

1

3

4

5

6

7

60

100

MPH

20

40

60

80

0

180

160

140

120

0

20

40

80

100

120

Instrument Cluster

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WARNING: Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust

temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel

system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly

causing a fire.

Powertrain malfunction/reduced

power: Illuminates when a

powertrain or a AWD fault has been

detected. Contact your authorized

dealer as soon as possible.

Brake system warning light: To

confirm the brake system warning

light is functional, it will

momentarily illuminate when the

ignition is turned to the on position

when the engine is not running, or in a position between on and start, or

by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the on

position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this

time, seek service immediately from your authorized dealer. Illumination

after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level or a

brake system malfunction and the brake system should be inspected

immediately by your authorized dealer.

WARNING: Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning

light on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking

performance may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle.

Have the vehicle checked by your authorized dealer. Driving extended

distances with the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and

the risk of personal injury.

Anti-lock brake system: If the

ABS light stays illuminated or

continues to flash, a malfunction has

been detected, have the system

serviced immediately by your

authorized dealer. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake

warning light also is illuminated.

P!

BRAKE

ABS

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Airbag readiness: If this light fails

to illuminate when the ignition is

turned to on, continues to flash or

remains on, have the system

serviced immediately by your authorized dealer. A chime will sound if

there is a malfunction in the indicator light.

Safety belt: Reminds you to fasten

your safety belt. A Belt-Minder威

chime will also sound to remind you

to fasten your safety belt. Refer to

the Seating and Safety Restraints

chapter to activate/deactivate the Belt-Minder威 chime feature.

Charging system: Illuminates when

the battery is not charging properly.

If it stays on while the engine is

running, there may be a malfunction

with the charging system. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as

possible. This indicates a problem with the electrical system or a related

component.

Engine oil pressure: Illuminates

when the oil pressure falls below the

normal range, refer to Engine oil in

the Maintenance and

Specifications chapter.

Engine coolant temperature:

Illuminates when the engine coolant

temperature is high. Stop the

vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let cool. Refer to

Engine coolant in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.

WARNING: Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the

engine is running or hot.

AdvanceTrac威/traction control:

Illuminates when the

AdvanceTrac威/traction control is

active. If the light remains on, have

the system serviced immediately, refer to the Driving chapter for more

information.

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AdvanceTrac威/traction control

off: Illuminates when the

AdvanceTrac威/traction control has

been turned off. Refer to the

Driving chapter for more

information.

Low tire pressure warning:

Illuminates when your tire pressure

is low. If the light remains on at

start up or while driving, the tire

pressure should be checked. Refer

to Inflating your tires in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter. When

the ignition is first turned to on, the light will illuminate for three

seconds to ensure the bulb is working. If the light does not turn on or

begins to flash, have the system inspected by your authorized dealer. For

more information on this system, refer to Tire pressure monitoring

system (TPMS) in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter.

Speed control: Illuminates when

the speed control is engaged. Turns

off when the speed control system

is disengaged.

Overdrive cancel and grade

assist (if equipped): Illuminates

when the overdrive function of the

transmission has been turned off

and the grade assist function has

been turned on, refer to the Driving chapter.

Anti-theft system: Flashes when

the SecuriLock威 Passive Anti-theft

System has been activated.

Door ajar: Illuminates when the

ignition is in the on position and any

door is not completely closed.

OFF

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Turn signal: Illuminates when the

left or right turn signal or the

hazard lights are turned on. If the

indicators flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.

High beams: Illuminates when the

high beam headlamps are turned on.

Key-in-ignition warning chime: Sounds when the key is left in the

ignition in the off or accessory position and the driver’s door is opened.

Headlamps on warning chime: Sounds when the headlamps or parking

lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the

driver’s door is opened.

Parking brake on chime: Sounds when the parking brake is left on and

the vehicle is driven. If the warning stays on after the park brake is off,

contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.

Message center activation chime: Sounds when some warning

messages appear in the message center display for the first time.

GAUGES

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Speedometer: Indicates the

current vehicle speed.

Engine coolant temperature

gauge: Indicates engine coolant

temperature. At normal operating

temperature, the needle will be in

the normal range (between “H” and

“C”). If the needle moves close to

the “H” range, the engine is

overheating. For more information,

refer to Engine fluid temperature management and What you should

know about fail-safe cooling in the Maintenance and Specifications

chapter.

WARNING: Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the

engine is running or hot.

Fuel gauge: Indicates

approximately how much fuel is left

in the fuel tank (when the ignition

is in the on position). The fuel

gauge may vary slightly when the

vehicle is in motion or on a grade.

The fuel icon and arrow indicates

which side of the vehicle the fuel

filler door is located.

Refer to Filling the tank in the Maintenance and Specifications

chapter for more information.

Instrument Cluster

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